Seeding of most crops is now underway

The first crop report of the season shows 18 per cent of the provincial crop is in the ground, which is ahead of both the five and ten-year averages of 12 per cent. 

Seeding of most crops is now underway with the Peace, Central and Southern Regions being the most advanced.

Provincially,  61 per cent of the potatoes are in, followed by 46 per cent of the durum 38 per cent of the peas and lentils, 35 per cent of the mustard, 32 per cent of the corn and 23 per cent of the spring wheat.

Rain and snow over the last few weeks have helped to boost soil moisture conditions around the province, with ratings of good to excellent being reported in many areas.

Recent precipitation has resulted in a difference between the ratings for surface soil moisture and the ratings for sub-surface moisture in soil below six inches. Provincial surface soil moisture ratings (sub-surface soil moisture ratings) are reported as 8 (18) per cent poor, 28 (31) per cent fair, 55 (46) per cent good, 8 (5) per cent excellent, and 0 (0) per cent excessive. Regional ratings of good to excellent surface soil moisture (sub-surface moisture) are 60 (36) per cent in the South Region, 58 (50) per cent in the Central Region, 76 (63) per cent in the North East Region, 84 (58) per cent in the North West Region, and 47 (72) per cent in the Peace Region.

The rain has also resulted in a significant improvement for pasture and tame hay fields in the South and Central regions. 

Provincial pasture (tame hay) growth conditions are reported as 20 (20) per cent poor, 45 (53) per cent fair, 34 (26) per cent good and 1 (1) per cent excellent. Regional ratings of good to excellent pasture (tame hay) growth conditions are 45 (45) per cent for the South Region, 43 (49) per cent for the Central Region, 24 (19) per cent for the North East Region, 0 (0) percent for the North West Region, and 15 (15) per cent for the Peace Region.

Provincially, 58 per cent of responses indicated that forage reserves are adequate to surplus, below the five-year average of 74 per cent. For feed grain reserves, 68 per cent of provincial responses indicate that reserves are adequate to surplus, lower than the five-year average of 83 per cent.

This week's report is available here and was compiled by AFSC